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N.B. Liberal bills seek to protect whistleblowers, end nepotism

The Canadian Press
Published Thursday, February 20, 2014 7:51AM EST

FREDERICTON -- New Brunswick's Liberal Opposition says it plans to introduce four bills in the legislature aimed at increasing openness and accountability, including more protection for whistleblowers.

In a news release, the Liberals say proposed amendments to the Public Interest Disclosure Act would assess penalties for "those who seek to punish or intimidate whistleblowers in government."

The Liberals say they will also introduce bills that would put an end to partisan government advertisements and nepotism by requiring elected members to disclose immediate family members who work in government or those in possession of government contracts.

The last bill would scrap special pensions that the Liberals say are often given to political appointees once a government is defeated.

The Liberals say they intend to introduce the bills in the coming weeks.

Leader Brian Gallant says the party wants to restore New Brunswickers' faith in the government.